Evergreen Way and Casino Road might sound like just another busy Everett intersection, but there’s a lot more going on here than you might think. This part of town is full of surprises, and we’re here to show you what’s worth a stop. Here are five things you’ll find nearby—and, of course, a friendly reminder about that traffic camera.

1. Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum

Ever wondered what Everett has to offer in terms of aviation history? The Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum is just a short drive away. Founded by the late Paul Allen, this museum is home to vintage aircraft and military vehicles from World War II. The exhibits are meticulously maintained and often feature live demonstrations. It’s a must-see for history buffs and anyone with a curiosity about the engineering marvels of the past.

2. Schack Art Center

Art lovers, rejoice! The Schack Art Center isn’t far from Evergreen Way and Casino Road, and it’s one of those places that has something for everyone. From glassblowing demos to workshops in printmaking and jewelry making, it’s a community arts center that’s buzzing with creativity. Even if you’re not into art, the rotating exhibitions are bound to spark some interest. Plus, it’s free—what’s not to love?

3. Howarth Park

A bit of a hidden gem, Howarth Park is the perfect spot to take a breather from city life. With wooded hiking trails, a playground, and even a bridge over the railroad tracks leading to a small beach, it’s got all the charm of a classic Pacific Northwest park. Bring your dog, bring a friend, or just bring yourself for a quiet moment by the water.

4. Everett Mall

Everett Mall might not be the flashiest, but it’s a classic local spot for shopping and entertainment. Whether you need to grab a few things or just do some people-watching, this mall has you covered. It’s also a great place to cool down during those hot summer days—an oasis of air-conditioned comfort.

5. And, of course, the Traffic Camera

The traffic camera at the corner of Evergreen Way and Casino Road is here to keep things safe and steady. This intersection can get busy, and the camera’s main job is to remind everyone to take it easy. The Camera tickets do not go on your record.

If you’re in a rush, remember—nothing slows you down quite like a ticket. But if you do happen to get a little too excited and get pulled over by an officer, well, let’s just say we’re here for you and, well, you know who to call.

We’re Merrill Law, Everett’s premier firm when it comes to these sorts of things—whether it’s fighting a ticket or just giving you some advice on your options. Stay safe out there, and enjoy everything our city has to offer.

Image Credits:

At The Corner- Rucker Ave and 41st Street

Local Community, Traffic Tickets

You might not have thought much about Rucker Avenue and 41st Street, but let me tell you, it’s got a few surprises up its sleeve. Our beloved Everett has its quirks, and this particular intersection is no exception. Whether you’re just passing through or you’re on your way to something specific, here are five things you didn’t know were right around the corner—literally. Oh, and spoiler alert: there’s a traffic camera, too.

1. American Legion Memorial Park

American Legion Memorial Park is a hidden gem just a short distance away. Not only does it offer fantastic views over the Snohomish River delta, but it also features tennis courts, picnic areas, and playgrounds—perfect for a lazy weekend afternoon. If you’re into hiking, the bluff trail offers a nice stretch of the legs with a pretty good reward at the end: sweeping views of the Puget Sound. Just try to keep your eyes on the road when you’re driving by, all right?

2. Hibulb Cultural Center & Natural History Preserve

A bit north of Rucker Avenue, you can immerse yourself in history at the Hibulb Cultural Center. This is not your average museum—it’s a deep dive into the heritage of the Tulalip Tribes. From the interactive Longhouse to the Canoe Hall, it’s packed with stories that take you back thousands of years before colonization. Plus, if you’re into cultural demonstrations, this place is known for its speaker series and even a celebrated film festival in November. A perfect spot for a day that demands a little more depth.

3. Jetty Island

If you head west, you’ll find Jetty Island, a sandy stretch that’s like Everett’s answer to an island getaway. During the summer months, the city even runs a free ferry service to the island. It’s the perfect spot for a day out with the family—sand, sun, and maybe a little bit of kite flying if the wind is just right. Just be warned: your shoes might end up full of sand, and your face full of smiles.

4. Grand Avenue Park

This park is a bit of an unsung hero. Not only does it have a pedestrian bridge leading to the marina, but it also offers stellar views of the Everett waterfront, including a sneak peek at the naval station. There’s something very calming about looking out over the harbor, and it’s the perfect place to just let your mind wander. Take a picnic or just go for an evening stroll—either way, you won’t regret it.

5. Everett Farmers Market

You wouldn’t think a simple farmers market could have such character, but Everett Farmers Market proves otherwise. Open on Sundays, this market brings together local growers, artisans, and food vendors—it’s an absolute must for anyone looking to experience Everett in its most authentic form. Grab some fresh produce, listen to some live music, and get chatting with the locals. It’s community at its best.

6. And, of course, the Traffic Camera

Ah, yes—the inevitable traffic camera. Right there at Rucker Avenue and 41st Street, this trusty automated observer is ready to snap a picture if you’re getting a little too enthusiastic with the gas pedal. Just a reminder: this one’s been installed to reduce accidents, which means it’s all about keeping the community safe. The Camera tickets do not go on your record.

But if you do happen to get a little too excited and get pulled over by an officer, well, let’s just say we’re here for you.

Image Credits:

Free Shred Event 1/13/2025

Local Community

FREE Shred Event!

Annual Free Document Shredding and Food Drive

That’s right, there is no cost to bring your documents to Merrill Law where office employees will be onsite to help you carry boxes.

Community members are welcome to join us at Merrill Law on Colby to destroy documents containing sensitive and personal information. We have scheduled the Annual Shred Event each January, to help people who are cleaning and purging their year end documents.

We will have a mobile shredding truck from Proshred, on site to destroy your documents. A very special thank you to the guys from ProShred for always jumping in to help make our events run smoothly.

Donate Non-Perishable Food Items…

We accept your generous donations of non-perishable goods and cash donations to support our local food banks.

Plan To Attend Our FREE Shred and Food Drive Event

January 13th 2025.
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
To allow our Shred Truck to set up safely please do not arrive before 1:30 pm.
We will stop accepting documents when the truck is full.
3625 Colby Avenue, Everett, WA 98201
In the Alley behind the office. Please see directions below.

For the Best Experience

To respect our neighbors and allow them the best access to their homes and business during our event we ask the following.

Entry to the Alley is One Way Only for the Shred event from 37th Ave.
Entry to the the Alley is best from the Westbound (uphill) lane of 37th Ave.
Please follow the parking attendants directions for stopping and unloading.
We will do our best to facilitate the unload of documents for shredding as quickly as possible.

Prepare your Documents for Shredding

Recyclers across the country have become exceptionally strict about not accepting “contaminated paper.” Please make sure to sort your material carefully before the event.

What can be shred our event:

Office paper, computer paper, note pads, and envelopes. Staples, paper clips and small binder clips do not need to be removed. You must remove any metal larger than a small binder clip.

The following items will not be accepted.

Binders, hanging file folders, plastic sleeves, metal bindings, plastic bindings, CDs, DVDs, data tapes, microfilm and x-rays, wet paper.

We will do our best to facilitate the unload of documents for shredding as quickly as possible.

We will be accepting Documents to be shred from 1:30 pm to 3 pm or until the truck is full.

Your donations filled this minivan to the brim at a previous event.

Do You Want To Hear More From Merrill Law?

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Image credit: Aurora Martinez and Holly Ramsey

Free Shred Event 1/22/2024

Uncategorized

FREE Shred Event!

You are invited to attend our FREE Shred and Food Drive Event on Monday, January 22, 2024 from 1 pm to 3 pm.

We have scheduled the Shred Event in January, to help people who are cleaning and purging their year end documents.

Community members are welcome to join us at Merrill Law on Colby to destroy documents containing sensitive and personal information.

The Free Shred Event will be held in the alley behind our office at 3625 Colby Ave, Everett, WA 98201.

To Shred Or Not To Shred? The Answer Is to Shred, for Free.

That’s right, there is no cost to bring your documents to The Law Office Of Rick H. Merrill, where office employees will be onsite to help community members carry your boxes of documents to shred.

Documents will be destroyed by Proshred, a professional document destruction service with a mobile shredding unit and you can be sure that your documents will be shredded before the truck leaves our parking lot!

We will be accepting Documents to be shred from 1 pm to 3 pm or until the truck is full. We do not have a limit for the number of boxes each person may bring.

Donate Non-Perishable Food Items.

Please bring any non-perishable food to donate. We love to load a car with donations of non-perishable food for the Food Bank.

It is always a joy to deliver these generous donations to support our local food banks. They are truly appreciative for your kindness.

Donations of pet food and supplies, will be donated to Beck’s Place in Monroe. This is a local organization that helps people and pets in need in a variety of ways.

Do You Want To Hear More From Merrill Law?

Check out our other Blogs for more information on an assortment of subjects.

You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.

Image credit: Aurora Martinez and Holly Ramsey

Dream Scholarship 2023

Encouraging Education

2022 Dream Scholarship — 2023 Dream Scholarship Merrill Law

Dream Scholarship 2023

We Have a Dream in Mind.

Merrill Law is offering a $1500 scholarship to all levels of college, trade or high school students who are in pursuit of a dream, students who are striving for something more, students trying to find a way to make a difference, students.

When I Grow Up, I want to be…

When listening to students, we hear that phrase said with so much hope, and excitement. We know that they can grow up to be anything they desire to be and it starts with a dream.

Picture the Dream.

Send us your creative digital photo or image that shares your Dream. Perhaps it represents the past, present or the future of your dream.

This digital photo or image will need to have caption that explain:

Who… inspired you
What… steps are you taking or planning to make it come true
When… was this, will it be, or will it make the most difference
Why… is your dream important to you
How… did you come to this schooling goal

Call it an Inspiration, Call it a Dream.

This Scholarship will be awarded to a college student or high-school senior student.

Award Amount.

The Scholarship is $1,500.00 for one student.

We want to help you catch that Dream.

Instructions for Applicants

Eligibility Criteria

Student enrolled in an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree or graduate level program, trade school or a high school senior.
Must be a Washington State resident.
Complete the student information form, submit a digital photo or image and short caption (200 word limit) sharing the students dream.

Submission Details

Online Application and Agreement Form.
Description of Dream (Limited to 10 words)
Digital Photo or Image that shares your life’s dream.
Caption or short description (Limited to 200 words).

The 2023 Applications are Closed

Application were due to be submitted by 12:00 pm PST on August 21st 2023.

The winner will be announced after September 15th 2023 on www.MerrillLaw.com, Facebook, and Google.

Click Here for Complete Information and Application.

We hope to see your application for the 2023 Merrill Law Dream Scholarship.

Want To Hear More From us.

You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.

Image credit: Photo by MD Duran on Unsplash

Spanish Language Meetings Available

General information

juntas en español disponibles por orden de llegada

El viernes 30 de junio de 3-5 pm y el lunes 3 de julio de 9am – 5 pm, Merrill Law tendrá, juntas en español disponibles por orden de llegada, no es necesario agendar una cita.

Special Spanish Language Meetings

On Friday, June 30 2023 from 3-5 pm and Monday, July 3 2023 from 9 am – 5 pm, Merrill Law will have Spanish-language meetings available on a first-come, first-served basis, no appointment necessary.

Free Shred Event 1/9/2023

Local Community

FREE Shred Event!

You are invited to attend our FREE Shred and Food Drive Event on Monday, January 9th 2023 from 1 pm to 3 pm.

We have scheduled the Shred Event in January, to help people who are cleaning and purging their year end documents.

Community members are welcome to join us at Merrill Law on Colby to destroy documents containing sensitive and personal information. The office is getting new siding installed, so it is currently a yellow color.

The Free Shred Event will be held in the alley behind our office at 3625 Colby Ave, Everett, WA 98201.

To Shred Or Not To Shred? The Answer Is to Shred, for Free.

That’s right, there is no cost to bring your documents to The Law Office Of Rick H. Merrill, where office employees will be onsite to help community members carry your boxes of documents to shred.

We will be accepting Documents to be shred from 1 pm to 3 pm or until the truck is full. We do not have a limit for the number of boxes each person may bring.

Your donations filled this minivan to the brim at our last event.

Donate Non-Perishable Food Items.

Please bring any non-perishable food to donate. We love to load a car with donations of non-perishable food for the Food Bank.

It is always a joy to deliver these generous donations to support our local food banks. They are truly appreciative for your kindness.

Donations of pet food and supplies, will be donated to Beck’s Place in Monroe. This is a local organization that helps people and pets in need in a variety of ways.

Do You Want To Hear More From Merrill Law?

Check out our other Blogs for more information on an assortment of subjects.

You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.

Image credit: Aurora Martinez and Holly Ramsey

Construction Entrance

General

Temporary Construction Entrance

We are open for business

Due to Construction, our Front Entry Door is not accessible at all times. If it is closed please enter through our Alley Stairway.

We are open during normal business hours. Monday through Friday, Except Holidays, from 9 am to 5 pm to help you.

The house will get a fresh coat of blue paint when the weather improves.

Call the office at (425)259-4972 to see if we can help you through email, fax, or zoom.

Image credit: Holly Ramsey

Dream Scholarship Winner 2022

Encouraging Education, Local Community

The Merrill Law Dream Scholarship

We are happy to announce the Dream Scholarship Winner for 2022. First we will share a little bit of information about this award.

The Dream Scholarship was started in 2016 to help support the dreams of a current high school or college student looking to make a difference through the pursuit of their passion.

Applicants were asked to submit a picture with a caption that in combination shares their dream and shows how it makes a difference.

Each year we present a $1500 scholarship to applicant who provides the most creative photo or image with a caption to explain their dream.

Congratulations to our 2022 Dream Scholarship Winner.

Rebecka Goranson, who dreams of being a Speech and Language Disorder Pathologist.

I will be graduating high school with my Associate’s degree, then I plan to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. After completing my Bachelor’s, I plan to get my Master’s degree in Speech Pathology. It’s always been a personal goal in my career to help other people.

I attended speech therapy in early elementary school and having these first-hand experiences led me to discover my passion. Seeing for myself what a speech pathologist does, and how much of a positive impact they make in people’s lives was a definite addition to my passion.

Another factor that guided me to this major is frequently babysitting a boy with severe autism, which causes him to be mostly nonverbal. When I first started taking care of him it was frustrating not being able to understand what he needed or what he was asking for. And I’m certain it’s just as frustrating for him, his family, and other people, such as his teachers.

It would be fulfilling for me to become a speech pathologist due to the rewards (and challenges) of working with individuals and their families to discover the most efficient way that they could communicate with families and others.

Follow along with Merrill Law

To see other opportunities that are available to help in our local community. We are accepting nominations for the Merrill Law Library and planning a Shred Event and Food Drive in January 2023.

Want To Hear More From Merrill Law.

You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.

Photo by Rebecka Goranson

Fireworks: Fun While it Lasted

Criminal Defense

Fireworks

Fireworks offenses are a criminal charge. These come with the possibility of monetary penalties and time spent in jail.

The most common fireworks offenses are unlawful possession of fireworks and the unlawful discharge or use of fireworks.

Possession Fireworks

The local fireworks retailers usually carry fireworks that are classified as “Consumer Fireworks”. The list of consumer fireworks is published yearly by the State Fire Marshall. You will find It posted at the sales stands.

Officers will use the quantity of fireworks in your possession, as the measurement that determines if you have violated the law.

You may be charged with a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor. A misdemeanor conviction comes with a 90 days maximum penalty in jail and a $1000.00 fine. A gross misdemeanor conviction comes with a 364 days maximum penalty in jail and a $500.00 fine.

Illegal Fireworks

Include Firecrackers, rockets, M-80’s, dynamite, Sky Lanterns and all homemade fireworks and others that do not follow the definition of “Consumer Fireworks” .

Unlawful Discharge or Use of Fireworks

It is illegal for anyone to discharge or use fireworks that creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to someone or damage to someone else’s property. This violation is a gross misdemeanor.

Discharge of fireworks have approved dates, times and locations. Maps and instructions are available on the County Websites. You will want to verify that you will be lighting your fireworks in an approved location. You can look at the local rules at the following links.

Click Here To Learn More About Criminal Defense

Call us now…

To ask additional questions or to hire an experienced attorney who has deep connections with the local legal system.

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You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.

Image credit: Illegal Fireworks by WSFWSmidwest on Flickr

Cookies of 2022

Local Community

Cookies for the Future

Each year the sales of Girl Scout cookies provide funds for great learning adventures, and other opportunities for girls.

These Girl Scouts are learning a variety of valuable life skills while they are planning, setting up their sales pages, contacting the customers, delivering and reporting their sales of these delightful morsels.

The Girls Scouts did a terrific job of adjusting to sales with Covid restrictions.

Cookies Fun and Goals

This year our girls came from Troops located in Arlington, Granite Falls, Edmonds, Everett, Maltby and Mill Creek.

We asked what their Favorite Girl Scout activities were and their answers included:

The Mountain Shadows camp, which is a two night trip with sing-alongs, crafts and sports. Going on field trips to the pumpkin patch, zoo and the fire station. Earning badges, making ice cream, canoeing, animal tracking and other things like that.

But at the heart of the matter, these Girl Scouts loved Camp, Camping, Camping! And more Camping!!

Our Girl Scouts Fundraising goals for this year.

Raising money to donate Build A Bears for kids in the hospital.
Fundraising for camping and community service projects!
Saving our money for a big trip in a couple of years.
We are also sending cookies to the troops overseas.

We are happy to help these Girl Scouts meet their goals and pursue their dreams.

Call us now

To ask additional questions or to hire an experienced attorney who has deep connections with the local legal system.

(425) 259 4972

Click Here to read more of our Local Community Series.

Want To Hear More From us.

You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.

Image credit: Aurora M, Holly R. and Moms of Girl Scouts

2022 April Winner Merrill Law Library

Encouraging Education

Stevie Peretti with her book collection.

Congratulations to the 2022 April Winner Merrill Law Library Classroom!

Our 2022 April Winner is Stevie Peretti’s 2nd Grade Class of Horizon Elementary in the Mukilteo School District.

I am Logan Merrill with Merrill Law. I am Reece Merrill with Merrill Law. Its time to pick a winner for the Merrill Law Library. Each winner gets a set of books for the classroom as well one book for each student to take home.

With that I will spin and we will see who the winner is. Congratulations Stevie Peretti.
We will contact you on how to get the books to your students.

Reece and Logan Merrill

Each Student will receive a brand new book to keep.

The Classroom will get a selection of books to keep and use in future years.

You can nominate a classroom for our next drawing.

We want to promote reading for the Elementary Students of Snohomish County.

P lease nominate a classroom who would benefit from some reading material.

Click Here to read more of our Local Community Series.

Want To Hear More From us.

You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.

Image credit: Holly Ramsey

Something Sponsored At SnoTown Espresso

Local Community

Something Sponsored stopped in at SnoTown Espresso to share a little cheer.

We sponsored an hour of Coffee and we hope that everyone enjoyed their morning surprise.

Call us now

To ask additional questions or to hire an experienced attorney who has deep connections with the local legal system.

(425) 259 4972

Click Here to read more of our Local Community Series.

Want To Hear More From us.

You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.

Image credit: Kristen at SnoTown Espresso

2022 January Winner Merrill Law Library

Encouraging Education

Emily Fountain and Reece Merrill with the box of books.

Congratulations to the 2022 January Winner Merrill Law Library Classroom!

Our 2022 January Winner is Emily Fountain’s 4th Grade Class of Skyline Elementary in the Lake Stevens School District.

Hello, I am Reece Merrill with Merrill Law. I am Logan Merrill. It is that special time of year again. Time to pick a winner of the Merrill Law Library. With that I will spin and we will see who the lucky winner is.
Congratulations to Emily Fountain. Every child in your class will be getting a book and you will also be getting a set of books for your classroom.
Reece, Logan and Rick Merrill

Each Student will receive a brand new book to keep.

The Classroom will get a selection of books to keep and use in future years.

Thank you SO much!!! These books were a wonderful addition to my classroom library. My students were THRILLED to take a book home with them. Thank you for supporting our community!

You can nominate a classroom for our next drawing.

We want to promote reading for the Elementary Students of Snohomish County.

P lease nominate a classroom who would benefit from some reading material.

Call us now

To ask additional questions or to hire an experienced attorney who has deep connections with the local legal system.

(425) 259 4972

Send Us Your ticket Information to learn more

Click Here to read more of our Local Community Series.

Want To Hear More From us.

You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.

Image credit: Holly Ramsey

Girl Scout Cookies 2022

Local Community

Girl Scout Cookies

Girl Scout Cookies With A Vision…

The sales of Girl Scout cookies provide funds for great learning adventures, and other opportunities for girls. Last year our Girls Scouts were earning money to keep having fun learning, Girl Scout camp, and a trip to Disneyland.

In addition these Girl Scouts are learning a variety of valuable life skills while they are setting up, selling and reporting their sales of these delightful morsels.

For the past several years Merrill Law has been supporting this Girls Scout Cookie sales. We purchase 5 boxes of delicious cookies from10 Girl Scouts.

Cookies Anyone…

Please follow the directions to allow for us to safely order and support the Girl Scouts.

Please Complete this Application so that we can order from you.
We will place our order from the first 10 Girl Scouts to submit this request.
We like to share a photo of the girls who stopped by the office with cookies to sell to Rick.
You can decide if your parent will email a photo to us, or if we will stage a no contact photo of the delivery on our porch.

We are looking forward to enjoying these delightful morsels.

If you are craving some cookies, look up the Girl Scout Find Cookies to pre order your cookies

Call us now

To ask additional questions or to hire an experienced attorney who has deep connections with the local legal system.

(425) 259 4972

Send Us Your ticket Information to learn more

Click Here to read more of our Local Community Series.

Want To Hear More From us.

You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.

Image credit: Aurora M, Holly R. and Moms of Girl Scouts

Free Shred Event 2022

Local Community

2022 Free Shred Event Complete

Thank you to everyone who made the Free Shred Event 2022 and Food Drive a Success. We were able to fill the truck completely this year.

At work on the shred pile at the Free Shred Event

The ProShred truck was late to arrive. They were over scheduled due to the unexpected loss of one of their trucks in a recent fire. However as soon as the truck arrived all of the boxes and bags that were dropped off were shred.

Clean up after the pile of shredding at the free shred event.

Free Shred Event 2022 Food Drive Results

We are happy to say that we filled a mini van with about 500 pounds of food donations and $300 dollars that were donated for the food bank.

We look forward to another amazing Event in January 2023

Do You Want To Hear More From Merrill Law?

Check out our other Blogs for more information on an assortment of subjects.

You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.

Call us now

To ask additional questions or to hire an experienced attorney who has deep connections with the local legal system.

(425) 259 4972

Image credit: Aurora Martinez and Holly Ramsey

DUI

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs is also referred to as a DUI or sometimes DWI.

The Adult DUI

The charge for an adult is DUI.

A Driving Under the Influence is a gross misdemeanor, which has a maximum of 364 days in jail and additional court penalties.

Requires a blood alcohol content of .08 or,
5 nanograms or higher for Driving under the influence of Marijuana or,
In the alternative, be under the influence of Drugs or Alcohol.

Underage DUI

The charge for someone under the age of 21 is Driver Under Twenty-One consuming alcohol or marijuana and is operating or being in physical control of a motor vehicle.

An Underage DUI is a misdemeanor, which has a maximum of 90 days in jail and additional court penalties.

For a minor the blood alcohol content is .02.

Driving Under the Influence is a serious crime, with serious penalties for you.

You could be arrested.
Face a Driver’s license suspension.
You will have assorted Court hearings including an Arraignment, Pre-Trial hearings, Trial, Sentencing.
Sentencing can include Jail, Fines, Scram Bracelet, Drug and Alcohol Evaluation, Treatment, Ignition Interlock, SR 22 filing Insurance.

In the long term

You may need to have background checks done, that will bring this back to the surface years from now.
Some Countries, including Canada, do not allow you to enter if you have been convicted of a DUI.

Drinking? Driving? Don’t!

If you are drinking and travelling, plan to have a designated driver, call a friend, call a cab, call a tow truck, or Stay.

We know that this can be a life changing event but it isn’t the end of the world.

There are many ways an experienced attorney can fight for you.

Call us now

To ask additional questions or to hire an experienced attorney who has deep connections with the local legal system.

(425) 259 4972

Send us your DUI Case Information

Click Here To Learn More About DUI.

Want To Hear More From us.

You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.

Image credit: Holly Ramsey

What Happens When You Are Arrested For DUI

DUI

What happens when you are arrested for a DUI in Washington State.

What happens when you are arrested for DUI

I am going to talk about what happens when you are arrested for a DUI in Washington State. Hello, I am Reece Merrill with Merrill Law.

Two Processes

If you get arrested for a DUI in Washington State, there are two processes going on. One is the administrative process with your license, which will be governed by the DOL (Department of License). The second process is governed by the Courts and that determines any kind of criminal punishment, aside from a license consequence, potentially going jail although hopefully not.

Department of License

Now the process with the DOL, the DOL will move much faster than the courts. The courts have 2 years to file any case against you as a result. The DOL will move much quicker. You will have 5 business days to request a hearing for the administrative process of suspending your license. If you get arrested for a DUI it is very important that you talk to an attorney about that DOL hearing fairly quickly. And the strategy you want to take there whether or not you want to request it or get the restricted license. But we should be able to help you keep driving in some way.

The Court

So for the Court side, at some point within the two years from the date of the violation, the date you have for your arrest or had contact with Law Enforcement. They will schedule your first court appearance which is called the Arraignment. At the arraignment it is time to enter a plea. You will want to be pleading not guilty. The court will also set some conditions of release. The basic conditions for a DUI that the court will set at the arraignment will be don’t commit any criminal law violations while the case is pending. Don’t drive without a valid license and insurance. Don’t get another DUI. And depending on the jurisdiction there might be an Ignition Interlock requirement. That is going to be more dependent on your individual criminal history as well as the jurisdiction that the case is in.

At that arraignment date they will set Pretrial hearings. Which are just status hearings to let the court know if you are ready to resolve the case or ready to tell the court that you are ready for Trial and then set for a Trial date. Generally at that first hearing most people won’t know whether or not they want to go to Trial. So there will probably be multiple court dates.

After the court sets the conditions, they are also going to set Pretrial court dates at the first hearing, the arraignment. The Pretrial hearings are for letting the courts know the status of the case. Either we want to declare that we are ready for trial, we want to ask for more time to investigate and negotiate the case, or we have some kind of resolution that everyone can be happy with. So it is possible that the case gets resolved at the first Pretrial hearing, but it is not outside of the ordinary that there would be multiple Pretrial hearings. The reason for that is to give the attorney more time to investigate and negotiate the case. Potentially there are some affirmative conditions that the State wants done before the case can be resolved. And things of that nature.

What happens when you are arrested for DUI

That is the basic outline of the process, both with DOL and with the Courts.

Now anytime you are arrested with a DUI it is important that you get in touch with an attorney.

Want to hear more from us…

There are many ways an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney can fight for you.

Call us now

To ask additional questions or to hire an experienced attorney who has deep connections with the local legal system.

(425) 259 4972

Send Us Your DUI Case Information

Click Here To Learn More About DUI Defense.

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Image credit: Holly Ramsey

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Criminal Cases in Court

Criminal Defense

Criminal Cases in Court-The Process.

The court legal system can be very intimidating and even scary if you are not familiar with how the court system conducts business.

The criminal court process may begin within a few days or many months after the date of arrest.

The criminal court for your case begins when:

The arresting officer provides you with a court date and time
A notice of hearing mailed to you from the court.

Arraignment

An arraignment is the first hearing. The reason for an arraignment is for you to understand what you are being charged with. The arraignment is where you would enter your plea of “not guilty”.

A Private Attorney can enter your plea and waive your appearance for the arraignment if you are charged with a misdemeanor.

However a waiver of arraignment is not allowed and you are required to attend the hearing if you are charged with:

DUI
Physical Control
Domestic Violence.

When the plea is entered the judge will determine if you can be released .

The judge will consider:

Your criminal history.
Flight risk.
Your alleged breath alcohol level at the time of arrest if charged with DUI.
If you have made an effort to show the court that you are not a danger to the community.
If you have failed to appear for other cases.

The judge may impose conditions of release or have bail set for your release.

If you are being charged with a DUI the judge might release you with conditions that may include:

Electronic home monitoring (EHM),
Restrictions on consumption of alcohol,
Installation of an ignition interlock device (IIL)
Alcohol monitoring ankle bracelet also known as a SCRAM bracelet.

If you are being charged with a Domestic Violence crime the judge may impose:

A no contact order
No possession of firearms.

Pre-Trial Hearing or Readiness Hearing

The Pre-Trial or readiness hearing is where the prosecution and the defense inform the court of their progress, negotiations, or if the case is ready for trial.

Your case may be continued for additional readiness hearings based on:

courtroom availability,

additional evidence discovery,

continued negotiation, or

witness availability issues.

Resolutions are possible at readiness hearings, depending on the negotiation with the prosecutor.

Motion Hearings

Motion hearings are an opportunity for Legal motions to be presented. These motions may be to prevent your case from going to trial or relate to other needs.

Trial

If a resolution is not reached between the prosecutor and your attorney, then your case will be set for trial.

You may choose between a bench trial or a jury trial.

A bench trial allows the judge to be the sole person deciding if you are guilty or not guilty of the charges.

A jury trial will consist of 6 people (if charged with a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor) or 12 people (if charged with a felony).

These people are randomly selected from the community, and will make the decision if you are guilty or not guilty of the charges.

Sentencing

Sentencing is addressed after a finding of guilt has been decided for your case.

Your attorney negotiates with the prosecutor regarding a sentence recommendation

Often times both parties will have reached an agreed sentence recommendation that the prosecutor will present to the judge.

The judge has the authority to impose the sentence that he or she believes is appropriate for the crime.

This sentence may include fines, jail, restitution, evaluation, treatment, probation or other steps.

There are many ways an experienced attorney can fight for you.

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Image credit: Under Arrest by Chris Yarzab on Flickr

Understanding a DUI Stop

DUI

Understanding A DUI Stop

You have been out for some fun, enjoying a few alcoholic beverages. You grab your keys, hop into the driver’s seat and get on the road.

Soon you notice the red and blue lights flashing in your rear view mirror. Now you realize that you could be charged with a DUI.

If you have committed a traffic infraction, an officer will pull you over.

The officer will notice if there is an odor of alcohol or drugs from the car. He will look to see if your eyes are glassy or bloodshot. He will observe if your speech is slurred and your mannerisms seem to be impaired.

The Field Sobriety Test

With a reasonable suspicion of drunk driving, the officer will ask you to step out of the car and complete a field sobriety test.

A field sobriety test is a series of 3 tests that will be administered by an officer to determine the impairment of the driver and establish probable cause for arrest.

Test one is the horizontal gaze nystagmus test

The officer will watch the driver’s eyes, as the driver follows a slowly moving object. This is usually done with a writing utensil or a small flashlight.

Test two is the walk and turn test.

This requires the driver to listen, follow instructions, while performing the simple physical movements. The driver will be asked to take nine steps, heel-to-toe along a straight line, and then turn on one foot and return to the starting position walking along the same straight line heel-to-toe.

Test three is the one-leg stand test.

The driver will be asked to stand with one foot approximately six inches off of the ground and then will be directed to count aloud by thousands until the officer directs the driver to place the foot down.

The officer will be looking for indicators of impairment, which include swaying while balancing, use of the arms for balance, hopping to help maintain balance, and placing the foot down for balance.

Breath Test

The officer may also ask you to take a portable breath test to measure your blood alcohol content.

Should you Take the Test

It is important that you speak with an attorney prior to taking any type of test to determine your ability to drive.

The officer may place you under arrest and you may be taken to jail if you refuse to take the tests.

Knowing your Rights

The arresting officer is required to notify you of your right to talk to an attorney, within a reasonable amount of time.

It is important that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible to help determine which course of action you should take to help with your situation.

What are the Consequences?

Receiving a DUI is a serious offense and may lead to time in jail, suspension of your license, probation and many other requirements or penalties.

We know that DUIs can be a life changing event but it is not the end of the world.

There are many ways an experienced attorney can fight for you.

Call us now

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(425) 259 4972

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